This Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic is one of 200 pieces from the Tadao Ando Limited Edition, designed in collaboration with the renowned Japanese architect. The piece combines Bulgari’s bold geometric case design with a pared back dial featuring a spiral motif, further accentuating the watch’s minimalist, almost postmodern, feel.
First released in 2017, the Bulgari Octo Finissimo is a piece that houses one of the world’s thinnest mechanical watch movements at just 2.23mm in thickness. This ultra-thin, self-winding calibre BVL 138 is combined with a case and bracelet made from titanium, causing this piece to be remarkably light.
Upon observing the octagonal case shape of the piece, it then comes as no surprise that the roots of the Octo Finissimo’s design can be found in the work of Gerald Genta. the designer-led company was acquired by Bulgari in the 2000s, and they had the means to realise the design’s full creative potential. In keeping with this, we see that the masculine angles of the case design contrasts with the slim profile of the watch, balancing both strength and elegance.
This collaboration with Tadao Ando came about after Fabrizio Buonamassa Stigliani, Bulgari’s Product Creation Executive Director, saw one of Ando’s buildings and noted the parallels between the architect’s stark concrete design and the geometric construction of the Octo Finissimo. Ando has acquired his reputation by using concrete and glass, combined with creative lighting to create pure, essential works. His notable work includes the Church of Light in Osaka and the Modern Art Museum in Fort Worth. Seeing synergies between both types of art, Ando and Bulgari collaborated on a limited edition of 200 pieces, which were retailed exclusively in Japan.
The core of the Octo Finissimo Automatic design is the geometric titanium case. The whole case, bracelet and dial feature a sandblasted finish, which gives the watch an even, matte grey texture. For the dial, Tadao Ando opted for a minimalist design, removing any hour markers and the Bulgari name, going instead for a spiral motif emanating from the subsidiary seconds. This choice pushes the futurist appearance of the Octo Finissimo Automatic even further, with the circles complementing the sharp design of the case and bracelet. The caseback is personalised with Tadao Ando's signature and "Tadao Ando - Limited Edition”.
If sold within the United Kingdom, this Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic will be subject to 20% VAT.
Closer look
| Brand: | Bulgari |
| Model: | Octo Finissimo Automatic - Tadao Ando Limited Edition |
| Movement: | Automatic Caliber BVL 138 |
| Functions: | Hours, minutes, sub-seconds |
| Features: | Spiral motif dial, steel blue hands, display back |
| Case: | Titanium |
| Case size: | 40 mm |
| Crystal: | Sapphire front and back |
| Bracelet: | Titanium bracelet with 26 links (excluding end-links), 12 of which are removable |
| Buckle: | Sold in Autumn 2020 |
| Papers: | International warranty card and purchase receipt (signed and dated) |
| Box & accessories: | Outer paper box, inner leather box with insert, Bulgari ribbon |
This Bulgari Octo Finissimo Automatic Tadao Ando Limited Edition is in excellent condition and has perfect mechanical functionality. The case and bracelet are excellently finished, with virtually no imperfections. The original bracelet has virtually no stretch and comes with a full complement of links (titanium bracelet with 26 links (excluding end-links), 12 of which are removable).
Having been purchased in Autumn 2020, the Octo Finissimo Automatic Tadao Ando Limited Edition comes with time remaining on its two-year warranty from Bulgari.
